Neighbour disputes - Long experience with neighbour disputes

What is a neighbour dispute?

If you disagree with one or more neighbours who are taking the high road, a neighbour dispute has probably arisen. Neighbourly conflicts are also known as neighbour disputes or neighbour disputes.

What can I do if a neighbour dispute arises?

Few things are more annoying than a neighbour who unfairly does as he or she pleases. If you are being caused damage or inconvenience that is unnecessary or unreasonable, you will normally have good reason to protest.

What rights do I have in a neighbour dispute?

Neighbours cannot simply do whatever they want on their own property. It is subsequent laws which regulates the relationship between neighbours. The Neighbourhood Act is also known as the grannelova. Questions about fences are regulated by Law on neighbourhood fences, also called for the law of cheap labour.

If the neighbour's actions contravene the provisions of the Neighbourhood Act, the Fences Act or planning and building act, you may have a right to demand changes.

What issues are common to argue about?

Here are some examples of neighbour conflicts:

Neighbouring trees shade the sun
Neighbour's fence shades the sun
My neighbour's hedge is growing into my property
Neighbour's fence shades the sun
Neighbour's bushes block my view
Neighbour has started building without sending a neighbour notification
Neighbour's property creates noise
My neighbour's fence is on my property
Neighbours argue about where the property line is
My neighbour's parking space is on my property
Snowfall from a neighbour's property damages my property
Neighbour drives across my property to get to the cabin
Neighbour walks over my property
Neighbour wants to build on his property
Neighbour wants to build on my property
Neighbour's blasting causes damage to my property
The neighbour has raised the roof, blocking my view
Neighbour's plans could cause my property to fall in value
Neighbour wants to build a second house on his property
The neighbour wants to build a building I don't want
My neighbour has placed rubbish bins on my property
Your neighbour has animals on their property
Neighbour's property has unpleasant odours
The neighbour is bothering me
The neighbour's children are bothering me
Neighbour wants to cut down trees on my property
Neighbour wants to cut the hedge on my property
Neighbour wants to lay a pipeline across my property
Neighbour wants to park on my property

How do I proceed in a neighbour dispute?

The easiest way to prevent conflicts with neighbours is to raise the issue with the neighbour in a polite manner. If this does not lead to a solution, it is important that further dialogue takes place in writing. This should clearly state what you are complaining about. If this does not lead to a solution, you should contact a lawyer who is an expert in neighbour disputes.

Can I take matters into my own hands in a neighbour dispute?

It is not advisable to settle a neighbour dispute. This can cost you dearly. If you choose to cut down your neighbour's tree that shades your view, or cut down your neighbour's outbuilding that you think is on your property, it could cost you high compensation amounts, legal costs and, in the worst case, imprisonment.

Can I claim compensation in a neighbour dispute?

Answer. You may be entitled to compensation or repair of the damage paid by your neighbour. This means that the neighbour must repair or reduce damage to your property, stop nuisance activities or compensate you for a financial loss.

What evidence is required in a neighbour dispute?

In order to obtain compensation or repair of the damage from the neighbour, it is important that there is a causal link between the work on the neighbouring property and the damage or inconvenience this has caused.

In a neighbour dispute, it is therefore important that you can show documentation of the loss or inconvenience. The better the documentation, the easier it is to win.

If your neighbour has carried out blasting that has caused damage to your property, this is easier to document financially than if your neighbour has built on their property and reduced your evening sun or view.

Is it possible to mediate in neighbour disputes?

In a neighbour dispute, mediation can often be a good alternative to a harrowing and costly court case. One option is to use a lawyer to mediate between the neighbours in order to reach an agreement.

Do I need a lawyer for a neighbour dispute?

What constitutes unnecessary or unreasonable damage or inconvenience is not always easy to determine on your own. It will also be difficult to handle a neighbour dispute if the neighbour refuses to find a solution.

It may therefore make sense to contact a lawyer who is an expert in neighbour disputes to assess your options and limitations.

Do I have to pay for my own lawyer in a neighbour dispute?

In the event of a neighbour dispute, your home insurance or house insurance will normally include a so-called legal expenses insurance. This covers up to NOK 100,000 of your legal expenses in the event of a dispute. You must cover a deductible under the insurance. The lawyer will then continue the dialogue with the insurance company on your behalf.

Why should I choose Advokatfirmaet Halvorsen & Co?

For almost 30 years, we have assisted many clients in neighbour disputes. Our lawyers are experts in property law and have extensive experience.

We help clients in neighbour disputes in the following locations:

Ringerike, Hønefoss, Ski, Follo, Ås, Kolbotn, Vestby, Nordby, Moss, Enebakk, Indre Østfold, Oslo, Asker, Bærum, Drammen, Hurum, Drøbak and Nesodden.

We always offer a free consultation on neighbour disputes. Get in touch with us today.

Neighbourhood conflict